As regular readers will know, I have been highly sceptical of Brighton’s chances of automatic promotion this season.

And you’ll be even less surprised to discover that, despite the title of this piece, I still don’t think that Brighton will go up as one of the top two sides in the Championship this season.

After rectifying the defensive problem which saw them ship twice against Reading, Newcastle United and Brentford, the Seagulls returned after October’s international break and once again let in two goals in a disappointing draw with Preston North End, having previously conceded just once in five outings.

5 April 2016 - Sky Bet Championship - Birmingham City v Brighton - Lewis Dunk of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates scoring a goal to make it 1-2 among team mates - Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

These defensive frailties, highlighted by a lack of cover in both full-back positions, are heightened by the fact that they have scored just 16 goals this campaign, compared to leaders Norwich City’s 24 and second-placed Newcastle’s 25.

However, with just over a quarter of the season played, the Albion find themselves in fourth place, just four points away from the Canaries, but equidistance with QPR in 14th, exemplifying how close the Championship is once again this term.

Brighton’s current record of six games unbeaten is the most in the league, and with no-one seemingly going to run away from the chasing pack, here are the three reasons why this could possibly end up being Chris Hughton’s side’s year…

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